5 Days in Skopje & Ohrid: Old Bazaar, Macedonia Square & More

Step back in time at Skopje's Old Bazaar, one of the largest and most well-preserved Ottoman bazaars in the Balkans. Wander through its labyrinthine cobbled streets, admire the traditional architecture, browse artisan shops, and soak in the vibrant historical atmosphere. This area offers a blend of history and a hidden gem experience through its local charm.

"Visiting this place is like taking a trip back in time. It is one of the largest and oldest bazaars in the Balkans, dating back to the 12th century. The narrow cobblestone streets are filled with Ottoman-era architecture. The atmosphere is vibrant, full of craft shops, jewelers, cafes and restaurants. I found it great for a stroll, buying simple souvenirs and soaking up a genuine atmosphere."— Lu

Gain insight into North Macedonia's struggle for statehood at this comprehensive museum. Explore exhibits featuring wax figures, historical artifacts, and detailed narratives chronicling the nation's path to independence.

"I didn’t expect much, but was very positively surprised. The museum displays the last ~200 years of Macedonian history in a vivid and hands on way. The combination of beautiful paintings, life sized replicas and informative displays turns out to be a winning combination. A must visit, especially considering the ticket price of 100 den."— B P

Embark on an afternoon excursion combining history and nature. First, visit the Skopje Aqueduct, a fascinating and somewhat hidden historical gem, showcasing ancient Roman engineering. Afterwards, continue to the stunning Matka Canyon, a breathtaking natural wonder. Enjoy a scenic walk along the canyon trail, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and the serene Treska River. Optionally, take a boat ride into the canyon to explore its caves.

"Matka Canyon is just a 30-minute drive from Skopje and feels like a different world. The trail is easy and runs right along the water with amazing cliff views. A few narrow spots, but nothing serious. Super calm, super scenic, perfect for a quick nature break. Definitely a must-visit when you’re in Skopje."— Iamandi Roxana

Explore the beautiful and poignant memorial house dedicated to Mother Teresa, built on the site of the former church where she was baptized. It features artifacts from her life and a serene chapel.

"The Mother Teresa Memorial House is such a peaceful spot to check out. The building itself is simple but really beautiful, and it does a great job sharing Mother Teresa’s story in a respectful, easy-to-follow way. I loved how calm it felt inside, and it’s super easy to walk around and take everything in. Plus, you don’t need a ticket, entry is free! It’s not a huge place, but it definitely leaves an impression and gives you something to think about. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Skopje."— Sutha Hasan

Wander across the iconic Stone Bridge, a symbol of Skopje, connecting the Old Bazaar to Macedonia Square. Explore the grand square adorned with statues and fountains, soaking in the city's modern and historic blend.

"Stone Bridge in Skopje absolutely impressed me. The whole atmosphere around it is magical, with beautiful lights, calm water and that perfect blend of history and city life. Such a stunning spot to walk by, take photos and just enjoy the moment 🌉💛 Truly a superb place — Skopje’s heart feels alive right here."— Madalina Petrean

Immerse yourself in local life at Skopje's bustling Green Market (Zelen Pazar). Explore stalls filled with fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies. Sample some authentic Macedonian street food and snacks.

"Stocked market with always fresh fruits and vegetables and realistic prices. Great location and helpful staff."— Aleksandra Krstova

Take a cable car ride up Mount Vodno to the Millennium Cross, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Skopje and the surrounding landscapes. A great way to connect with nature and see the city from above.

"Essential to visit! Serenity and tranquility come together when you visit the Millennium Cross. The size of the cross itself is incredible but the views are just as good as you overlook the entire capital of Macedonia with the amazing landscapes as a backdrop! I’ve been in summer and in winter and it goes without saying that the snow-capped peaks make the experience in winter all that much better!"— Oliver Vrtkovski

Visit the historic St. Panteleimon Church, a small Byzantine church nestled in the surroundings of Mount Vodno. Discover its ancient frescoes and serene atmosphere, a true hidden gem for history lovers.

"Small church outside Skopje. Entry fee is 120 MD, because it doubles as a small museum. The frescos inside are incredibly beautiful. I was lucky to have a passionate guide who took plenty time to explain the images. It's hard to believe some fresco are 800+ years old, with how stunning the colours still are."— Sanne Boonstra

Explore the historic Skopje Fortress, offering panoramic views of the Vardar River and the city. Delve into centuries of history at this ancient defensive structure.

"The Fortress ruins of Skopja Fort. Located on a highest hill top in Skopja city. It's a small walk passing Macedonia Square and easy to find. Entrance is free of charge. This is built in 6th century. There are lot to observe if you are a history lover and it is spreaded around a large area. We only visited one part of it as we were not big fans of castle hunting."— Isuru Dissanayake

Begin your scenic bus journey from Skopje to the historic city of Ohrid, traversing the beautiful Macedonian landscape.

"Great experience, professional and always on time"— Angela Mileska

Embark on a relaxing boat trip on the pristine waters of Lake Ohrid, enjoying picturesque views of the Old Town, ancient churches, and surrounding mountains. This is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area.

"Our boat tour with Nikola was the highlight of our trip to lake Ohrid. We did the east coast tour, had a local lunch, many swims in the water and beautiful sites. Nikola was professional, knowledgeable and also bought so much fun and humour to the trip. I highly recommend this tour to anyone coming to Lake Ohrid."— Amy June

Wander through the narrow, cobbled streets of Varosh, Ohrid's charming Old Town, discovering its hidden gems. Ascend to Samoil's Fortress for breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and city, then delve into the ancient history at Plaoshnik Archaeological Park, site of a restored church and archaeological remains.

"Such high potential and so unkept! It is beautiful here to see all the history, but most of the area is overgrown, paths aren’t clear, there are fenced off areas with more interesting areas that you don’t get access to. So strange to see such a historic place look almost abandoned. The whole area just seems unfinished."— Matyas Aviation

Visit one of Ohrid's most iconic churches, perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Ohrid, offering breathtaking panoramic views and stunning architecture. Explore its interior and admire the frescoes.

"“A beautiful and iconic church with one of the best views of Lake Ohrid — especially stunning at sunset.” � • “Perfect photo spot — the most photographed church in the region.” � • “Church grounds and cliffside views are free and peaceful (you may be asked for a small fee to enter inside).” � • “Walk up from Old Town or take the scenic boardwalk — driving can be tricky with limited parking.” � • “Inside is small and simple; the exterior scenery and panorama over the lake are the highlights.” � • “Well maintained, peaceful spot to relax or light a candle — breathtaking at sunset. ✔ Breathtaking panoramic views of Ohrid and Lake Ohrid. � ✔ Peaceful and photogenic setting on a cliff. � ✔ Lovely for sunset visits. � ✔ Historic and picturesque small church. • The interior is small and less remarkable compared to the surroundings. • Entrance fees aren’t strictly enforced — sometimes free, sometimes a small charge. • Steep uphill walk and narrow approaches — sneakers and some fitness help!"— Haydar Levent

Step back in time at this remarkably well-preserved Hellenistic theatre, still used for performances today. Imagine the ancient spectacles that once unfolded here.

"It's incredible to find an ancient theater from the Hellenistic period so well-preserved and in the middle of the city. The best part is that access is open and completely free. You can walk through the seating rows, sit, and imagine what the performances were like centuries ago. Besides its historical importance, the site also offers a beautiful view of the lower part of the city and the lake."— Lu

Discover the ancient craft of papermaking at this unique workshop, where paper is made using original methods from the 16th century. See demonstrations and browse the exquisite handmade paper products and ancient artifacts.

"I visited this National Treasure, @handmadepaper_ohrid and it was as if I stepped back in time. They have amazing ancient artifacts. You can purchase sketches of various popular sites in Ohrid. The staff were professional, friendly and knowledgeable. They shared info about the history of the paper making process. It's worth every kilometer traveled. 🌍🇲🇰🙏🏽🫶🏽☺️"— Natina Harris

Walk through the ancient Upper Gate and explore sections of Ohrid's historic defensive walls. Enjoy unique perspectives over the old town and lake from less-frequented vantage points.

"Nice fortress, there are only walls but you can walk around up on that old walls. Its interesting experience. There are no parking near,and so tiny streets,so we left car near gate(there are free parking)and walked all around. Tickets cost 150 denar/each. Definitely recommend to visit."— Guliola Lena

Delve into the rich history of St. Sophia Church, one of Ohrid's most significant monuments. Marvel at its impressive Byzantine frescoes and grand architecture, offering a deep insight into medieval art and faith.

"This is beautifully restored. Extremely high ceiling with exposed beams and fabulous frescoes on sections of the walls and ceiling. Very quiet inside so you have space to be alone with your prayers and thoughts. On the back outside wall of the church where there is seating on steps you can just see under some brick work ancient paintings on the walls. And the highlight is in the garden I discovered to my delight 4 turtles 🐢💚"— Merinda Hewat-Cameron

Indulge in a delightful wine tasting experience at a charming local winery in Ohrid. Sample regional wines, learn about the winemaking process, and discover the flavors of Lake Ohrid's vineyards.

"We went for the wine and brandy tasting and it was awesome. The hosts were very welcoming and made us feel home. They have got a rich selection of wines, brandies and liquors. All of them are boutique and really flavourful. We give them 5 stars and we can’t recommend them enough. If you happen to be in Ohrid make sure to find a few hours to visit and try their products. All of the drinks came with a wide selection of fruits, cheese and meats."— Stoyan Radichev

Enjoy a refreshing morning walk along the beautiful Ohrid Lake Promenade, taking in the serene views of the crystal-clear waters and the surrounding natural landscape. This offers a peaceful start and connection with nature.

"One of the most beautiful places to make postcards from Ohrid"— Biljana Loncar

Explore the Robevi House, a beautifully preserved 19th-century traditional Ohrid mansion. Now serving as the National Museum, it houses archaeological finds from the region and ethnographic exhibits, offering a deep dive into Ohrid's rich history and culture.

"An interesting building with a museum inside. It’s great to see the lifestyle of wealthy people from that time, but most of the museum focuses on archaeological excavations. The top floor is the most interesting."— Roman Trač

Transfer from your hotel to Ohrid St. Paul The Apostle Airport (OHD) for your international flight home to New York, NY. Please allow ample time for airport transfer, check-in, and security procedures.

"Super tiny airport to fly into, though surprisingly not horrible. Long customs line of which we were in the back—took about 30 minutes. The room was nicely air conditioned. The worst problem was the people intentionally cutting the line."— Alex E